The DOI matches its Crossref record; 82 of the 82 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Efficacy of theory-based interventions to promote physical activity. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Abstract
Implementing theory-based interventions is an effective way to influence physical activity (PA) behaviour in the population. This meta-analysis aimed to (1) determine the global effect of theory-based randomised controlled trials dedicated to the promotion of PA among adults, (2) measure the actual efficacy of interventions against their theoretical objectives and (3) compare the efficacy of single- versus combined-theory interventions. A systematic search through databases and review articles was carried out. Our results show that theory-based interventions (k = 82) significantly impact the PA behaviour of participants (d = 0.31, 95% CI [0.24, 0.37]). While moderation analyses revealed no efficacy difference between theories, interventions based on a single theory (d = 0.35; 95% CI [0.26, 0.43]) reported a higher impact on PA behaviour than those based on a combination of theories (d = 0.21; 95% CI [0.11, 0.32]). In spite of the global positive effect of theory-based interventions on PA behaviour, further research is required to better identify the specificities, overlaps or complementarities of the components of interventions based on relevant theories.
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“Lifestyle interventions can be rooted in a variety of frameworks and methods [14, 15], making it difficult to determine what components or ‘active ingredients’ [14–16] within interventions offer merit for behavior outcomes [17–19].”
From Barriers and facilitators to diet, physical activity and lifestyle behavior intervention adherence: a qualitative systematic review of the literature (2023) · cites this paper as [17]
In the citing paper
“However, using behavioural change theories can help us understand public behaviour around antibiotic usage and how to develop theoretically based interventions to maximise effectiveness.”
From Public-targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review (2025) · cites this paper as [23]
In the citing paper
“The effectiveness of theory-based interventions is well-documented”
From Public-targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review (2025) · cites this paper as Gourlan et al (2016)
In the citing paper
“The integration of theoretical frameworks enhances the understanding of behavioural determinants and supports the development of effective, targeted interventions.”
From Public-targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review (2025) · cites this paper as Gourlan et al (2016)
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Sorted by citations
Kwasnicka, D., Dombrowski, S. U., White, M., & Sniehotta, F. (2016) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2016.1151372 · Cited by 1,476
Rebar, A. L., Stanton, R., Geard, D., Short, C., Duncan, M. J., & Vandelanotte, C. (2015) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901 · Cited by 1,323
Gardner, B., Smith, L., Lorencatto, F., Hamer, M., & Biddle, S. (2015) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2015.1082146 · Cited by 518
Theories of physical activity behaviour change: A history and synthesis of approaches
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Metadata
- Authors
- Gourlan, M., Bernard, P., Bortolon, C., Romain, A. J., Lareyre, O., Carayol, M., Ninot, G., & Boiché, J.
- Affiliations
- Université de Montpellier (FR)
- Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (FR)
- Corresponding author
- Gourlan, M.
- Venue
- Health Psychology Review
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2015-04-10
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 50-66
- ISSN
- 1743-7199 (ISSN-L)
- 1743-7202
- OpenAlex
- W1980110190
- Cited by
- 353
- References
- 82
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 30 · 2024: 39 · 2023: 38 · 2022: 48 · 2021: 41 · 2020: 38 · 2019: 33 · 2018: 31 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 8
- FWCI
- 1.78
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Health Psychology Review (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- HAL (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Physical Activity and Health
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
- Keywords
- theory-based intervention, physical activity promotion, physical activity behavior, behaviour change theory, intervention efficacy, adults
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Models, Psychological, Psychological Theory, Health Behavior, Exercise, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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